Matt Dodd (left) and James Webster of GSS, with Monty Panesar and the plaque that he unveiled.
	Monty Panesar with some of the young pupils from his old school.

Young pupils were delighted when England and Northants cricket star Monty Panesar went back to his old school in Luton to formally open their new buildings on November 13th. Monty was born and brought up in the town, and went to St Matthew's Primary School as a young boy.

The £700,000 project, which has resulted in the amalgamation of an infant's school and junior school, was designed by GSS Architecture. Partner Will Assheton said, "We were absolutely delighted when we learned that Monty had agreed to open the buildings. We've got very strong connections with Northants County Cricket Club for we designed their Indoor Centre, which is recognised as one of the finest in the country."

GSS team leader James Webster explained, "The St Matthew's project has totally transformed what were previously two separate schools, and provided improved facilities for both the children and the teachers." The main contractors were Wellingborough-based Watson and Cox.

GSS was also responsible for the overall management of the project and has worked at over a dozen other schools in Luton. The firm designed Luton's City Learning Centre, which acts as a central computer hub for the town's secondary schools. It also advises Luton Borough Council on its Building Schools for the Future programme.